Star Brite! Cottage-
Turks
& Caicos Islands
Depart your world and share adventures on
an "isle that time forgot".
Welcome to Star Brite!
Star Brite! . . . star light
what will it mean,
on your first night ?
Wish as you may
and think as you might,
you'll probably wish you
were still there
tonight.
WARNING: Measure your initial viewing of secluded beach,
sunset and great diving photos for best enjoyment.
History
Star Brite! was built during the first
years of the 20th Century. In 1918, Lily Smith a current island resident was born
and lived here with her family throughout her childhood. This island style, open
loft residence is currently being renovated and modernized. Star Brite! protected by
Acacia trees and inhabited only by cows and donkeys since 1976, is no longer the
"thorn house" of old.
Thanks to all! that are helping to make the
clear island skies visible again from Star
Brite! Below find our photo
story of a century old residence being reborn.
Phase I
September - October 2006 ... (5
weeks) Acacia trees and rubble surrounding building is removed to provide access.
Existing water cistern is razed to ground level and rebuilt with a natural stone
finish. The existing wash / restroom roof was removed and rebuilt. All
remaining doors and windows were removed and replaced with on-site built replacements.
Door and window hardware was installed, primed and top coat painted red. The
interior debris was removed and some of the existing wooden walls were removed to provide
for the 2 BR / 2 Bath, Great Room and Kitchen floor plan. The exterior perimeter was
enclosed with an animal protection fence. An elevated "Sand Deck" area was
constructed upon the old water catch basin providing a Atlantic to Caribbean view.
Phase II
January - February 2007... (5 weeks)
Between on-site phases all interior walls were repaired to a plaster smooth finish.
In January the new cistern was penetrated to install a submersible pump. It
had collected approximately 1600 gallons of water between phases. Hoses were added
and an outdoor shower was setup. Two electrical poles were installed and temporary
power was turned up within 30 feet of the structure ending construction by generator.
Acacia roots surrounding the cistern were
removed by backhoe and a hole was excavated for a septic system. A cess pit was
constructed and exterior plumbing run to the structure. A front gate was added to
the perimeter and a buggy garage added on to the south bath building. The
kitchen floor was plumbed and poured to support both kitchen and indoor bath. The
septic and grey water systems were connected and a toilet seated. The "Sand
Deck" was elevated and a walkway and rough steps were added.
(apologies to non-broadband viewers in
advance)
Photo Gallery
Why the skies are Star Brite! on Salt Cay
And the beat goes on....
